11 Points You Must Consider When Shopping

Surprisingly there are several things many seem to miss when pondering one of these as the next tool in their styling tool arsenal.

So here are some questions the answers you want to watch for when scanning the reviews on Amazon or any other online retailer of choice. Think of it like a mental checklist to run through before ordering to help make sure you get the best mini flat iron for your situation.

Question #1: Does it get hot enough?

If you have anything other than fine hair you’re going to need some heat to bend those strands to your will. So are many complaining it doesn’t get hot enough to make that happen?

On the other hand …

Question #2: Does it get too hot?

Some of these little beasts can get very hot. Over 400 degrees F hot.

Forget about what it does to your hair. Being so petite the fact it’s fits-in-your-palm tiny often means at those temps there’s nowhere to grab on without getting burned. And if you can’t hold it you can’t very well use it, right?

Thermal gloves anyone?

While this article from Good Housekeeping isn’t exactly current it does show this concern over burn risk isn’t misguided. Nor should it be news.

Beyond that can you adjust the temperature?

Question #3: Yeah, while on the topic is the temp setting adjustable?

Alas, you’ll all too soon discover that on or off is often your only choice. If you’d like something in between read the fine print to make sure the one you have your eye on offers that capability.

If it does then look to see if …

Question #4: Are the dials and knobs easily reached or do they reflect design compromises and miniaturization run amok?

In some cases even the on off switch requires more manual dexterity than some possess. Plus an inconveniently placed on off switch implies changing the heat setting is going to be an even bigger challenge – assuming you can read the dial.

Question #5: Is there an indicator light to tell you it’s on and ready to go?

You may not miss this until you don’t have it.

Question #6: Just how big is a mini flat iron?

Surprising small. Many reviewers sheepishly admit they didn’t know just how small it would really be. In this case mini literally means mini.

Question #7: Looking to touch up bangs or something more?

Few of these minis are able to style a whole head of thicker hair in anything less than 30 minutes.

Bangs, yes.

Emergency touch up, sure okay.

Beyond that you’re probably expecting too much from half inch wide plates since you’ll need to work with (much) smaller sections of hair to get the desired results.

In other words when you read someone reporting the tool is fantastic for short hair believe them. What that really says is looking to style anything longer and you’ll be disappointed. Which is just what this infographic confirms

Question #8: Does the cord have a swivel and is it long enough?

It’s never good to feel restricted by short cord with any hot styling tool. So you want to measure this in feet not inches.

Question #9: If you’re planning on passing through TSA at the airport is the iron dual voltage? Or will you need some sort of adapter.

Some are not dual voltage and others are but will require a special plug.

If traveling overseas this might be important to you. If not, meh!

Question #10: Is auto shut off important to you?

Most of these don’t offer this feature so I hope not.

Question #11: Does it come with a thermal protecting pouch.

Some do you know. A nice thing to have when pressed for time because you can unplug and go without any worries!

Mini Reviews To Get Your Search Started

As you should be recognizing by now not all so called travel flat irons are created equal.

Some are longer on features compared to the competition.

Just don’t expect to find the perfect solution. In this end of the styling tool market compromises are the name of the game.

Even going with the best available option you likely will have to decide which features you can’t live without so you make the best choice for your hair.

Again it’s small. No hiding that. So you’ll need the mindset that yes, it will take longer to style your look because you’ll want to work with smaller sections of hair. But it’s still so worth it if you have limited packing space and want something rather than nothing.

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About Tori

Tori is a recovering shoe addict and aspiring beach bum with a devotion to all things chocolate. Her goal is to make TerrificTresses your online destination for all things hair. Whether it’s ideas to keep things stylish and chic or answers to nagging hair care problems, you’ll find it here. You might look at as your irregular dose of hair care inspiration. Oh and you can find me on GooglePlus too.